BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics concept proves that hybrids can be exciting.

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As a plug-in full hybrid with a turbodiesel engine, upward-pivoting doors and radical styling, BMW's 4-seat Vision EfficientDynamics concept car — which is headed for the Frankfurt auto show — is packed with technology enabling it to be both frugal and fast.

The concept's two electric motors (one at each axle, giving the car all-wheel drive in electric mode) are powered by lithium-polymer batteries that reside in a chassis element situated from front to rear in the middle of the car. The Vision EfficientDynamics concept can be driven up to a claimed 31 miles in EV mode, while the batteries can be recharged in just 2 ½ hours when plugged into a 220-volt outlet.

The rear/mid-mounted 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbodiesel puts out 163 bhp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed version of BMW's DCT twin-clutch gearbox. Combined with the electric motors, the total system output is 356 bhp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, giving a level of performance that BMW says is "superior to anything provided so far by a hybrid vehicle."

Due to the car's huge power and relatively low (for a hybrid) curb weight of 3076 lb., BMW claims the Vision EfficientDynamics concept would be capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and could easily exceed its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Fuel economy is rated at an average of 62.6 mpg, aided by the car's incredibly sculpted and aerodynamic body (its drag coefficient is just 0.22), and narrow tires for a sports car — 195/55s riding on 21-in. wheels.